Foyle Hospice founder, Dr Tom McGinley, has dedicated his Freedom of the City award to the people of Derry.
Dr Tom McGinley
Derry City Council yesterday unanimously supported a motion to award the honorary accolade to the Donegal medic.
Dr McGinley said he was honoured to accept the Freedom of the City and would accept the award in recognition of the support the Hospice had received by the local community.
Congratulations to Dr McGinley continue to pour in, the latest from retired Bishop of Derry, Most Rev Dr Edward Daly, who has visited the facility almost every day during the past 20 years.
Describing Dr McGinley as “visionary,” Dr Daly said Derry and the wider community owed Dr McGinley a “huge debt of gratitude.”
Dr Daly added: “I could not image Derry without the Hospice and the community has responded to the initiative with.”
He concluded: “Every time I visit I am still filled with awe at the work that goes on there
Last time the honour was awarded was when Nobel Laureate John Hume was given the Freedom of the City in 2000.
Dr. McGinley was awarded a prestigious Papal Knighthood by Pope John Paul II more than ten years ago.
The idea for a hospice began back in 1984 when New York born and Donegal raised Dr McGinley, a practicing GP in Derry, was treating an 18 year-old boy with terminal cancer.
Located on the city’s Culmore Road, the Hospice has provided free care for countless patients since it opened back in 1991 and plays a key role in the city’s health infrastructure and has helped countless families at a time when they need it most.
Dr McGinley will be presented with his award at a civic reception to be hosted by Derry City Council on a date yet to be announced.
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